Series 10 - Natural Titanium or (Hermés) Silver Titanium?

[Fried Potato]

Hi everyone,

After recently getting my first Apple Watch (SE2) as a gift a couple of months ago, I've been eager to upgrade to a higher-end model to enjoy the extra functions and the sapphire crystal. Since the Series 10 was just around the corner, I figured I should wait for the new release. Well, here we are now!

The issue I’m having is that I really care about matching my watches with the rest of my outfits. All my regular watches are stainless steel, which is super easy to match. Naturally, I wanted to go with the stainless steel Apple Watch, but it’s been discontinued, leaving titanium as my only option. I was set on getting the link bracelet, too.

The problem is the color of the "natural" titanium that Apple offers. On Apple's website, it looks extremely earthy and gold-ish. However, after watching a few videos, I see it’s more of a (darker?) silver color. I’ve already placed my order with the link bracelet (estimated delivery is mid-October), but now I’m having second thoughts. The Hermés variant is exactly the color I want, but Apple no longer offers a matching link bracelet. I imagine the previous model would match well, but I can’t find any third-party sellers here in Sweden. Also, I don’t want the Hermés “H” bracelet.

I’m also worried that third-party strap makers might not make strap links in the Hermés color, and I may want a Milanese bracelet in the future, which is now discontinued in the stainless steel that'd fit.

What do you think I should do? Should I stick with my original order? Switching to the Hermés variant would make it tough to find an older bracelet that fits. Does Apple really remove all options for accessing older stock?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[deeddawg]

Your current order doesn't deliver until October.

I'd wait and try to see the natural titanium watch and link bracelet in a store so you can make a first hand assessment.

With the Hermes nearly 75% more expensive than the titanium (here in US), I'd find myself being rather flexible about the case color. (not counting cost of the link bracelet)

 

[Fried Potato]

Your current order doesn't deliver until October.

I'd wait and try to see the natural titanium watch and link bracelet in a store so you can make a first hand assessment.

With the Hermes nearly 75% more expensive than the titanium (here in US), I'd find myself being rather flexible about the case color. (not counting cost of the link bracelet)

Going with the base Hermés option costs about a few hundred $ more compared to the titanium option with the link bracelet (basically the most expensive titanium option). Although it'd got expensive if I'd try to look for a link bracelet for the Hermés watch.

As asked before, does Apple really restrict access to all previous accessories for the Apple Watch when a new version is released? I know that they keep previous iPhone accessories available.

 

[deeddawg]

Going with the base Hermés option costs about a few hundred $ more compared to the titanium option with the link bracelet (basically the most expensive titanium option). Although it'd got expensive if I'd try to look for a link bracelet for the Hermés watch.

As asked before, does Apple really restrict access to all previous accessories for the Apple Watch when a new version is released? I know that they keep previous iPhone accessories available.

In my experience Apple discontinues and ceases selling prior watch bands if they’re not the same color as the new. Third party retailers seem to be able to sell through remaining stock, then that’s it unless you find a good used one somewhere.

 

[AndrewR23]

Hi everyone,

After recently getting my first Apple Watch (SE2) as a gift a couple of months ago, I've been eager to upgrade to a higher-end model to enjoy the extra functions and the sapphire crystal. Since the Series 10 was just around the corner, I figured I should wait for the new release. Well, here we are now!

The issue I’m having is that I really care about matching my watches with the rest of my outfits. All my regular watches are stainless steel, which is super easy to match. Naturally, I wanted to go with the stainless steel Apple Watch, but it’s been discontinued, leaving titanium as my only option. I was set on getting the link bracelet, too.

The problem is the color of the "natural" titanium that Apple offers. On Apple's website, it looks extremely earthy and gold-ish. However, after watching a few videos, I see it’s more of a (darker?) silver color. I’ve already placed my order with the link bracelet (estimated delivery is mid-October), but now I’m having second thoughts. The Hermés variant is exactly the color I want, but Apple no longer offers a matching link bracelet. I imagine the previous model would match well, but I can’t find any third-party sellers here in Sweden. Also, I don’t want the Hermés “H” bracelet.

I’m also worried that third-party strap makers might not make strap links in the Hermés color, and I may want a Milanese bracelet in the future, which is now discontinued in the stainless steel that'd fit.

What do you think I should do? Should I stick with my original order? Switching to the Hermés variant would make it tough to find an older bracelet that fits. Does Apple really remove all options for accessing older stock?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Are you talking about this link bracelet to match the upcoming Hermes?

 

[Eagle2]

Undecided as if you already have Apples “old” silver link bracelet Hermes maybe a better buy?

 

[Fried Potato]

In my experience Apple discontinues and ceases selling prior watch bands if they’re not the same color as the new. Third party retailers seem to be able to sell through remaining stock, then that’s it unless you find a good used one somewhere.

I can’t see the link bracelet having being sold by any third party retailer.

Are you talking about this link bracelet to match the upcoming Hermes?

Yes, that’s the one!

Undecided as if you already have Apples “old” silver link bracelet Hermes maybe a better buy?

I don’t own the previous model of the link bracelet.

 

[deeddawg]

I can’t see the link bracelet having being sold by any third party retailer.

That may be the case, I hadn't looked but expect that'd be a pretty low demand item. Thus your only likely source for an Apple silver stainless link bracelet may be to find a used one on ebay or other reselling channel. And even then there's no guarantee of a match to the silver titanium Hermes S10 watch casing.

My advice is not to rush. See the natural titanium in person and then determine which path you wish to follow.

 

[AndrewR23]

I can’t see the link bracelet having being sold by any third party retailer.

Yes, that’s the one!

I don’t own the previous model of the link bracelet.

Love your username lol. I have a brand new one I haven’t used (that photo is my order confirmation)

I only use my Hermes Kilim band now. After my s10 Hermes arrives I’ll let ya know if I decide to get rid of it

 

[Fried Potato]

I must say that I really like the exclusive Hermés dials. I might therefore be willing to actually go for the cheapest Hermés model and then buy the previous model link bracelet. The question is (as mentioned) if the old steel link bracelet and silver titanium finish will be a perfect colour match...

 

[Dstopsie]

I must say that I really like the exclusive Hermés dials. I might therefore be willing to actually go for the cheapest Hermés model and then buy the previous model link bracelet. The question is (as mentioned) if the old steel link bracelet and silver titanium finish will be a perfect colour match...

The silver titanium finish on the Hermes series 10 is polished. I think it will match fine to the Hermes bands from prior releases. As for the pictures of the new Hermes polished silver titanium can’t tell the difference between it and the prior stainless steel versions. I dont care about mismatching band hardware because since the series 3 Hermes I only had SBSS so I wore bands with out matching SBSS hardware. To me the beauty of the exclusive faces and the bands themselves overshadow what color the hardware is.

 

[AndrewR23]

I must say that I really like the exclusive Hermés dials. I might therefore be willing to actually go for the cheapest Hermés model and then buy the previous model link bracelet. The question is (as mentioned) if the old steel link bracelet and silver titanium finish will be a perfect colour match...

Ill let you know if it matches. I return from my cruise though on the 23rd so itll be around that day.

 

[deeddawg]

I must say that I really like the exclusive Hermés dials. I might therefore be willing to actually go for the cheapest Hermés model and then buy the previous model link bracelet. The question is (as mentioned) if the old steel link bracelet and silver titanium finish will be a perfect colour match...

Another point I just though of which you may wish to consider.

The silver stainless steel link bracelet, like the space black model, is a brushed finish not polished.

While it seemed to go well enough with the glossy/polished stainless steel watches, I'd still recommend checking reviews and videos involving that band to better see what it looks like.

Apple Silver Link Bracelet long-term review - with Apple Watch Ultra | AppleInsider

Apple's stainless Silver Link Bracelet is an exceptional Apple Watch band and a great Apple Watch Ultra companion.

appleinsider.com

apple silver link bracelet review - Search Videos

www.bing.com

 

[Brien]

I must say that I really like the exclusive Hermés dials. I might therefore be willing to actually go for the cheapest Hermés model and then buy the previous model link bracelet. The question is (as mentioned) if the old steel link bracelet and silver titanium finish will be a perfect colour match...

This is what I plan to do. The bracelet is brushed so it already doesn't match the stainless case 1:1, I think you will be perfectly fine. In fact, it may match better as brushed stainless is a little warmer, and polished Ti is warmer than polished SS.

 

[Fried Potato]

I don't mind the bracelet being brushed while the case itself is polished, just that they match colour wise. It's not unusual for watches to have brushed bracelets while parts of the case is polished.

Well, the main issue will be for me to find a new older style link bracelet from somewhere... 😅

 

[AndrewR23]

I don't mind the bracelet being brushed while the case itself is polished, just that they match colour wise. It's not unusual for watches to have brushed bracelets while parts of the case is polished.

Well, the main issue will be for me to find a new older style link bracelet from somewhere... 😅

I’m like 90% I won’t ever use mine again bc the Hermes bands are too good. I’ll keep ya posted

Edit. Mine is brand new just taken out of box for my watch display lol

 

[Fried Potato]

I’m like 90% I won’t ever use mine again bc the Hermes bands are too good. I’ll keep ya posted

Edit. Mine is brand new just taken out of box for my watch display lol

I'm mainly going for the link bracelet as my standard bracelet as it's the easiest to match. I'm quite picky with leather straps or any other strap to match my shoes. 😅 My regular watches are easy to match because of that reason.

 

[AndrewR23]

I'm mainly going for the link bracelet as my standard bracelet as it's the easiest to match. I'm quite picky with leather straps or any other strap to match my shoes. 😅 My regular watches are easy to match because of that reason.

Yeah that was me too from 2015-2022. Only wore the stainless steel link and black one. Wore them out haha

 

[MikeDr206]

(bump)

Has anyone tried the natural Milanese loop on the Hermes watch? Does it look good?